A free creative experience comes to Seven Dials this August, celebrating 125 years of the Noris pencil and inspiring a new generation through pencil-powered creativity.
This August, STAEDTLER invites Londoners to rediscover the joy of putting pencil to paper with the launch of Home of the Pencil – a one-of-a-kind pop-up experience.
Located in Monmouth Street in the heart of Seven Dials, Covent Garden, the free experience celebrates the simple power of drawing, doodling and creative writing, inviting visitors of all ages to embrace pencil-powered creativity ahead of the new school year.
In an age increasingly shaped by AI and digital technology, Home of the Pencil encourages visitors to slow down, reconnect with their imagination and celebrate the value of human expression through one of the world’s most recognisable creative tools.
Designed as an interactive destination for families, aspiring artists and curious minds alike, the experience brings together live art, hands-on workshops, sketching stations and immersive installations in a celebration of creativity, imagination and self-expression.
Visitors will have the opportunity to receive complimentary portraits from talented live artists Mr Lee , Lucia Vinti and Elly Bazigos, alongside musician and immersive artist Ratbag, who will create bespoke pencil illustrations throughout the activation.
Alongside the live portraits, Natalya Lobonova, The New Yorker and The Guardian cartoonist; illustrator ,animator and famous for his ‘Draw with Rob’ YouTube series Rob Biddulph, a bestselling and multi-award-winning author and illustrator; Han Rivers, comics and manga artist; and Phil Dean aka the Shoreditch Sketcher will host a programme of interactive workshops celebrating drawing, doodling and creative writing for children and adults.
One of the centrepieces of the experience is a specially commissioned mural illustrating the 125-year journey of the Noris pencil. Taking visitors through key moments in creativity, culture, innovation and design, it celebrates the countless ideas that all began with the stroke of a pencil.
Beyond the Pop-Up
To further enhance the celebrations, STAEDTLER will partner with Ryman to bring the spirit of Home of the Pencil to even more people, with extra activity taking place in select London locations and stores nationwide. The collaboration will extend the anniversary celebrations beyond the pop-up, inspiring creativity in communities across the UK.
What to Expect at Home of the Pencil
Live portrait illustrations by artists
Interactive drawing and doodling experiences
Creative workshops for children and adults
A specially commissioned mural celebrating 125 years of the Noris pencil
Sketching stations and immersive installations
Special edition products and customisable pencil sets
An interactive augmented reality mirror with a complimentary printed keepsake
A free celebration of pencil-powered creativity ahead of the new school year
Whether you’re an experienced sketcher, rediscovering your love of drawing, encouraging little ones to explore their imagination or looking for an inspiring day out in London, Home of the Pencil is a celebration of the humble pencil and its remarkable ability to connect generations through creativity.
